Discover a delicious alternative to traditional Garden Egg Stew that captures the authentic taste using readily available ingredients. This Diaspora Garden Egg Sauce is perfect for those living abroad who crave the classic Nigerian dish but can’t access garden eggs locally.
This innovative adaptation uses Dutch cucumbers as a clever substitute for garden eggs, delivering remarkably similar flavors and textures. The result is a satisfying sauce that pairs beautifully with various Nigerian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 Dutch cucumbers
- 1 whole mackerel fish
- 1 large onion
- 1 sweet red pepper (tatashe)
- 2-3 habanero peppers
- 1/2 cup palm oil
- 1 tablespoon ogiri okpei (dried locust beans)
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Clean and cut the Dutch cucumbers into small chunks
- Step 2: Clean the mackerel, remove bones and break into chunks
- Step 3: Dice the onion and peppers
- Step 4: Heat palm oil in a pot over medium heat
- Step 5: Sauté the onions until translucent
- Step 6: Add the mackerel and stir for 2-3 minutes
- Step 7: Add the cucumbers, peppers, and ogiri okpei
- Step 8: Add seasoning cubes and salt to taste
- Step 9: Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cucumbers are tender
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
- Storage: Keeps well in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Serving suggestion: Enjoy with boiled yam, rice, or any Nigerian swallow
- Variation: Can substitute mackerel with smoked fish
- Note: Adjust pepper quantity according to heat preference
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 15g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 8g
- Approx. Fat: 22g
